Watch: Maersk Containership Refloats After Running Aground Off Italy

A Maersk Line containership, Gustav Maersk, ran aground earlier this week while transiting the Strait of Messina in Southern Italy.

The vessel, which was en route from Rijeka in Croatia to GioiaTauro in Italy, was later refloated to the port of GioiaTauro with the help of three tugs.The Italian Coast Guard confirmed the Denmark-flagged vessel ran aground overnight on Tuesday near the town of Torre Cavallo.

Reports said the 366-meter-long and 9,000 teu ship ran into trouble when it reportedly suffered a mechanical failure.

Maersk Line said all the crew members onboard the vessel are safe and no pollution was reported after the accident.

According to Maersk Line spokesperson, all cargo is being discharged and the vessel will undergo repairs in Gioia Tauro. Cargo contingency plans are being made and will be covered within Maersk Line’s existing network, the spokesperson added.

The container shipper has already launched an investigation into the incident. Citing the initial findings, the company said that it does not indicate that any technical failure caused the incident.

Italian Coast Guard said the inspection of vessel showed no sign that the hull had been breached.

In another development, Maersk has joined hands with China’s largest e-trader Alibaba to allow customers to reserve space on its vessels through the latter’s booking service, OneTouch.

The new service enables customers to book space directly on container vessels via the internet, rather than going through freight forwarders. OneTouch website said the service will be now available on routes from eight Chinese ports to ports in Europe and Asia.

Press Release